Platen assembly for printing on face masks

ABSTRACT

A platen assembly for printing on face masks which includes a base member having a plurality of jig members mounted thereon. The base member has a top surface and a bottom surface, with its bottom surface operative to attach to a platen holding mechanism of a conventional direct to garment printer. Each of the jig members may be attached to the top surface of the base member and hold a single face mask in such a manner that it can be printed on. Edges of the base member and of each jig member include interface portions which allow portions of the face mask to be selectively threaded through to more effectively keep the face masks in place, being held smooth and taught.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to accessories for printing on textilesand, more particularly, to a platen assembly operable to secure facemasks in a selected one of a plurality of positions.

Description of the Prior Art

The use and design of printing devices to apply color and/or designs tofabrics and textiles is well established. For example, two of the morepopular types of devices to accomplish the printing of colors anddesigns on textiles are direct to garment printers and screen printers.While each of these types of devices employs a different printingprocess to apply and set ink onto a given piece of fabric, onesimilarity is that they each require a piece of fabric (or “fabricitem”) to be fixed in place and rendered immobile during all or part ofthe printing process. It is understood that doing so allows forincreased quality and consistency in printing.

In both direct to garment printing and screen printing, a platen iscommonly employed when it is desired to fix a fabric item in place andrender it immobile during the printing process. In many cases, a platenbeing employed may be sized and shaped so that it is suitable to be ableto hold and immobilize at least the portion of the fabric item that isdesired to be printed on. And with direct to garment printers, theplaten may additionally be designed to interface with the printer sothat the mechanical aspects of the printer can not merely apply ink butalso move the platen, and the fabric item attached thereto, as needed ordesired both before and during (and even potentially after) the printingprocess.

A limitation which still exists, however, is that many platens aresuitable only to hold a single fabric item at a time. Another commonlimitation that exists is that many platens typically lack a pluralityof fixed holding and tensioning mechanisms which allow a user to securea fabric item without requiring assistance from others. As a result ofthese limitations, potential efficiencies related to both the number ofseparate items which can be printed on at the same time based on thecapabilities of a printer, particularly a direct to garment printer, andthe number of people required to position fabric items on platens sothat they can be printed on, remain out of reach.

Thus, there remains a need for a platen assembly which can be used toprint on smaller fabric items such as face masks and can hold aplurality of the same to be printed on at the same time. It wouldadditionally be desirable for such a platen assembly for printing onfabric items such as face masks to include a plurality of edge interfaceportions which provide a plurality of distinct tensioning and holdingmechanisms for aspects of the masks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides for a platen assembly for printing onsmall items, such as face masks, comprising: a base member defined by asubstantially planar base body that has a pair of opposing base edges, atop surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface isconfigured to be attached to a printer; a first set of interfaceportions integral with the each of the opposing base edges; at least onejig member configured to attach to the top surface of the base member,wherein at least one jig member includes opposing jig edges; a secondset of interface portions integral with the each of the opposing jigedges; wherein when the at least one jig member is attached to the basemember, the opposing base edges are not parallel to the opposing jigedges and the first set of interface portions and the second set ofinterface portions are on distinct vertical planes; and wherein when theat least one jig member is attached to the base member, the at least onejig member is configured to hold a fabric item with the first set ofinterface portions and the second set of interface portions engaging atleast a portion of the fabric item.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a platen assemblywhich can be used to print on smaller fabric items such as face masksand can hold a plurality of the same to be printed on at the same time.

It is an additional object of the present disclosure to provide a platenassembly for printing on fabric items such as face masks which includeda plurality of edge interface portions which provide a plurality ofdistinct tensioning and holding mechanisms for aspects of the masks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a platen assembly for printing onface masks built in accordance with the present invention, shown mountedto a direct to garment printer and with three masks fixed thereto.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a platen assembly for printing on facemasks built in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the base member of a platen assembly forprinting on face masks built in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the base member of a platenassembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the jig member of a platen assembly forprinting on face masks built in accordance with a first jig memberembodiment the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the jig base of the jig member of a platenassembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with a first jigmember embodiment the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the jig riser of the jig member of aplaten assembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with afirst jig member embodiment the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a top plan view of the outer ring of the jig member of aplaten assembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with afirst jig member embodiment the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the jig member of a platen assemblyfor printing on face masks built in accordance with a first jig memberembodiment the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the jig member of a platen assembly forprinting on face masks built in accordance with a second jig memberembodiment the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a top plan view of the jig base of the jig member of a platenassembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with a secondjig member embodiment the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of the jig riser of the jig member of aplaten assembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with asecond jig member embodiment the present invention.

FIG. 9C is a top plan view of the outer ring of the jig member of aplaten assembly for printing on face masks built in accordance with asecond jig member embodiment the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a platen assembly for printing on face masks whichincludes a base member having a plurality of jig members mountedthereon. The base member has a top surface and a bottom surface, withits bottom surface operative to attach to a platen holding mechanism ofa conventional direct to garment printer. Each of the jig members may beattached to the top surface of the base member and hold a single facemask in such a manner that it can be printed on. Edges of the basemember and of each jig member include interface portions which allowportions of the face mask to be selectively threaded through to moreeffectively keep the face masks in place, being held smooth and taught.

Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6a, 6 b, 6 c, and 7, a platen assembly 100 for printing on fabric itemssuch as face masks F is formed from a rigid base member 110 with aplurality of rigid jig members 120. It is contemplated that the natureof the face masks referred to herein are ones with a covering aspect,which may be made of fabric, and a securing aspect such as straps.Examples include cloth face masks and surgical face masks.

The base member 110 may be defined by an elongated, substantially planarbase body that has a pair of longitudinal base sides 111, a pair oftransverse sides 112, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The basemember 110 may further include a pair of elongated reinforcing braces113 which are attached to the bottom surface and may run longitudinallyalong the base body. The reinforcing braces 113 may provide enhancedstructural support and rigidity.

Present in each of the opposing longitudinal base sides 111 are aplurality of base interface portions 114, which may be defined asL-shaped cut outs. Embodiments of the base member 110 having L-shapedcut outs as the base interface portions 114 may having the L-shaped cutouts oriented so that the portion of the L-shaped cut out which isparallel with the longitudinal base sides extends in the direction awayfrom the closest transverse side 112.

The base member 110 additionally includes several printer interfacecomponents which extend outwardly from its bottom surface. The printerinterface components may include a pair of locator pins 115 and severalattachment fasteners 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the printerinterface components are positioned to allow the platen assembly 100 tobe mounted onto a platen holding aspect of an Epson® SureColor F2100WEdirect to garment printer. It is contemplated, however, that the printerinterface components selectively positioned to allow the platen assembly100 to be mounted onto the platen holding aspect of other types ofdirect to garment printers.

The jig members 120 may be formed from a jig base 121, a jig riser, 122,and an outer ring 123. The jig base 121 may be defined by an elongated,planar body that attaches to the top surface of the base member 110. Thejig base 121 has a plurality of jig interface portions 124, which may bedefined as L-shaped cut outs, integral with its longitudinal sides. Thejig base 121 may additionally include a plurality of holes in its topsurface (the surface opposite to where it attaches to the base member110) which allow for the jig riser 122 to be coupled therewith, asdiscussed below.

The jig riser 122 forms the backstop structure for the portion of afabric item that is to be printed on. In this regard, the shape of thejig riser 122 defines the shape of the portion of the fabric item thatis to be printed on. Moreover, the jig riser 122 may be planar toprovide a smooth, level surface for the fabric item to be printed on, asillustrated in the first jig member embodiment. Or, as discussed below,the jig riser 122 may include a channel or cut out that accommodatesvarying thickness in a fabric item being printed on.

The jig riser 122 may be coupled with the jig base 121 through the useof a plurality of dowels 125 which serve as mechanical couplers. Asstated above, the jig base 121 includes a plurality of holes in its topsurface. These holes in the jig base 121 may be each suitable to receiveone of the dowels 125. Similarly, embodiments of the jig riser 122 mayinclude a plurality of holes on its bottom surface and which also eachcan receive one of the dowels 125. When each of the plurality of dowels125 are positioned with a first end in one of holes in the jig base 121,the jig riser 122 may be coupled with the jig base 121 by aligning thejig riser 122 so that each dowel 125 in the jig base 121 can also engagea hole in the jig riser 122 (specifically, the end of the each dowel 125opposite the first end). In this regard, the dowels function as couplingmechanisms and locator pins.

The outer ring 123 is sized to be able to frictionally fit over a givenjig riser 122, specifically once a fabric item has been stretched overthe top surface of the jig riser 122. When in position in this manner,the outer ring 123 operates to hold the fabric item in place stretched,keeping the surface of the fabric item smooth and taught. It isappreciated that this helps provide an optimal surface to be printed on.

When assembled, the platen assembly 100 allows for multiple face masks For other similarly sized fabric items to be securely positioned, placedon a platen holding aspect of a direct to garment printer, and printedon by the direct to garment printer. For an item such as a face mask F,or any item having straps/an extended portion which extends outwardlyfrom a main portion (that is to be printed on), the platen assembly 100provides a first set of interface portions in the form of the baseinterface portions 114 and a second set of interface portions in theform of the jig interface portions 124 so that the extended portionsthemselves can assist in getting and keeping the main portion in place,smooth and taught. Advantageously, the first set of interface portionsand the second set of interface portions are on separate vertical planeand are orthogonal relative to one another, providing a user with manyoptions on how to best make use of them, depending on factors like thelength and elasticity of the extended portion.

Significantly, the platen assembly 100 disclosed herein, with its thedual interface portions, allows a single person to accomplish what inmany instances requires two people to accomplish. To explain, in manyinstances, getting and keeping the a fabric item in place, smooth andtaught, on a platen requires two people; one to hold it in place, smoothand taught, and the other to attach the mechanism used to hold thefabric item in place (like the outer ring 123 disclosed herein), smoothand taught (while the first person is still holding it). But because theplaten assembly 100 disclosed herein allows a user to get and keep themain portion of a fabric item in place, smooth and taught, by engagingthe dual interface portions with the extended portions, the same usercan do this and then slide the outer ring 123 on without worrying aboutthe main portion moving or loosening. Thus, this action both supplementsand enhances the operation of the outer ring 123.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 8, 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c, alternate jig memberdesigns 220 may be utilized depending on the shape of the face mask orother fabric item to be printed on. The second jig member embodimentincludes the same three components as the first, namely a jig base 221,a jig riser, 222, and an outer ring 223. The components also work insubstantially the same way together and serve the same function. In thesecond jig member embodiment, however, the jig riser 222 and the outerring 223 have a different shape. Also, the second jig member embodimentillustrates two additional features which may be included in anyembodiment of a jig member.

As shown in the second jig member embodiment, the jig riser 222 includesa depression 226 in its top surface that allows for a face mask or otherfabric item to lay flat even if it includes a middle seam that isthicker than the rest of the material. It is appreciated that thedepression would allow the thicker middle seam (or other thickerportion) to sink down below the rest of the surface of the jig riser222.

Also shown in the second jig member embodiment is a pair of matchingholes 227 on both the jig riser 222 and the outer ring 223. It iscontemplated that these holes allow for the attachment of a hinge to thejig riser 222 and the outer ring 223, allowing the outer ring 223 toopen and close in clamshell fashion.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what isconsidered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It isrecognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within thescope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to aperson skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A platen assembly for printing on small fabricitems, comprising: a base member defined by a substantially planar basebody that has a pair of opposing base edges, a top surface, and a bottomsurface, wherein the bottom surface is configured to be attached to aprinter; a first set of interface portions integral with the each of theopposing base edges; at least one jig member configured to attach to thetop surface of the base member, wherein at least one jig member includesopposing jig edges; a second set of interface portions integral with theeach of the opposing jig edges; wherein when the at least one jig memberis attached to the base member, the opposing base edges are not parallelto the opposing jig edges and the first set of interface portions andthe second set of interface portions are on distinct vertical planes;wherein when the at least one jig member is attached to the base member,the at least one jig member is configured to hold a fabric item with thefirst set of interface portions and the second set of interface portionsengaging at least a portion of the fabric item; and wherein the firstset of interface portions is defined by a plurality of base cut outportions in the opposing elongated base edges and the second set ofinterface portions is defined by a plurality of jig cut out portions inthe opposing elongated jig edges.
 2. The platen assembly for printing onsmall fabric items of claim 1, wherein when the at least one jig memberis attached to the base member, the opposing base edges and opposing jigedges are respectively oriented so that a first line segment parallel toat least one of the opposing base edges intersects with a second linesegment parallel to at least one of the opposing jig edges.
 3. Theplaten assembly for printing on small fabric items of claim 1, whereinwhen the at least one jig member is attached to the base member, theopposing base edges and opposing jig edges are respectively oriented sothat a first line segment parallel to at least one of the opposing baseedges is perpendicular to a second line segment parallel to at least oneof the opposing jig edges.
 4. The platen assembly for printing on smallfabric items of claim 1, wherein: the at least one jig member includes ajig base with which the opposing jig edges are integral and whichincludes a surface which contacts the base member when the at least onejig member is attached to the base member; and the at least one jigmember includes jig riser that is removably coupled with the jig baseand an outer ring that is sized to slidably engage the jig riser, withthe at least one jig member configured to hold a fabric through theengagement of the jig riser and the outer ring.
 5. The platen assemblyfor printing on small fabric items of claim 4, wherein the jig riser isremovably attached to the jig base through a plurality of dowels whichengage both the jig riser and the jig base.
 6. The platen assembly forprinting on small fabric items of claim 1, wherein the base memberincludes at least one elongated reinforcing brace running longitudinallyalong the bottom surface.
 7. The platen assembly for printing on smallfabric items of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plurality of base cutout portions are L-shaped and the plurality of jig cut out portions areL-shaped.
 8. A platen assembly for printing on small fabric items,comprising: a base member defined by a substantially planar elongatedbase body that has a pair of opposing elongated base edges, a topsurface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is configuredto be attached to a printer; a first set of interface portions integralwith the each of the opposing elongated base edges; at least one jigmember configured to attach to the top surface of the base member,wherein at least one jig member is elongated and includes opposingelongated jig edges; a second set of interface portions integral withthe each of the opposing elongated jig edges; wherein when the at leastone jig member is attached to the base member, the opposing elongatedbase edges are not parallel to the opposing elongated jig edges and thefirst set of interface portions and the second set of interface portionsare on distinct vertical planes; wherein when the at least one jigmember is attached to the base member, the at least one jig member isconfigured to hold a fabric item with the first set of interfaceportions and the second set of interface portions engaging at least aportion of the fabric item, the at least one jig member includes a jigbase with which the opposing elongated jig edges are integral and whichincludes a surface which contacts the base member when the at least onejig member is attached to the base member; and the at least one jigmember includes jig riser that is removably coupled with the jig baseand an outer ring that is sized to slidably engage the jig riser, withthe at least one jig member configured to hold a fabric through theengagement of the jig riser and the outer ring.
 9. The platen assemblyfor printing on small fabric items of claim 8, wherein the opposingelongated base edges and opposing elongated jig edges are respectivelyoriented so that a first line segment parallel to at least one of theopposing elongated base edges intersects with a second line segmentparallel to at least one of the opposing elongated jig edges.
 10. Theplaten assembly for printing on small fabric items of claim 8, whereinthe opposing elongated base edges and opposing elongated jig edges arerespectively oriented so that a first line segment parallel to at leastone of the opposing elongated base edges is perpendicular to a secondline segment parallel to at least one of the opposing elongated jigedges.
 11. The platen assembly for printing on small fabric items ofclaim 8, wherein the jig riser is removably attached to the jig basethrough a plurality of dowels which engage both the jig riser and thejig base.
 12. The platen assembly for printing on small fabric items ofclaim 8, wherein the base member includes at least one elongatedreinforcing brace running longitudinally along the bottom surface. 13.The platen assembly for printing on small fabric items of claim 8,wherein the first set of interface portions is defined by a plurality ofbase cut out portions in the opposing elongated base edges and thesecond set of interface portions is defined by a plurality of jig cutout portions in the opposing elongated jig edges.
 14. The platenassembly for printing on small fabric items of claim 8, wherein thefirst set of interface portions is defined by a plurality of L-shapedbase cut out portions in the opposing elongated base edges and thesecond set of interface portions is defined by a plurality of L-shapedjig cut out portions in the opposing elongated jig edges.
 15. A platenassembly for printing on small fabric items, comprising: a base memberdefined by a substantially planar base body that has a pair of opposingbase edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottomsurface is configured to be attached to a printer; a first set ofinterface portions integral with the each of the opposing base edges; atleast one jig member configured to attach to the top surface of the basemember, wherein at least one jig member includes opposing jig edges; asecond set of interface portions integral with the each of the opposingjig edges; wherein when the at least one jig member is attached to thebase member, the opposing base edges are not parallel to the opposingjig edges and the first set of interface portions and the second set ofinterface portions are on distinct vertical planes; wherein when the atleast one jig member is attached to the base member, the at least onejig member is configured to hold a fabric item with the first set ofinterface portions and the second set of interface portions engaging atleast a portion of the fabric item; wherein the at least one jig memberincludes a jig base with which the opposing jig edges are integral andwhich includes a surface which contacts the base member when the atleast one jig member is attached to the base member; wherein the atleast one jig member includes jig riser that is removably coupled withthe jig base and an outer ring that is sized to slidably engage the jigriser, with the at least one jig member configured to hold a fabricthrough the engagement of the jig riser and the outer ring; and whereinthe first set of interface portions is defined by a plurality of basecut out portions in the opposing elongated base edges and the second setof interface portions is defined by a plurality of jig cut out portionsin the opposing elongated jig edges.
 16. The platen assembly forprinting on small fabric items of claim 15, wherein when the at leastone jig member is attached to the base member, the opposing base edgesand opposing jig edges are respectively oriented so that a first linesegment parallel to at least one of the opposing base edges intersectswith a second line segment parallel to at least one of the opposing jigedges.
 17. The platen assembly for printing on small fabric items ofclaim 16, wherein the base cut out portions and the jig cut out portionsare L-shaped.
 18. The platen assembly for printing on small fabric itemsof claim 15, wherein when the at least one jig member is attached to thebase member, the opposing base edges and opposing jig edges arerespectively oriented so that a first line segment parallel to at leastone of the opposing base edges is perpendicular to a second line segmentparallel to at least one of the opposing jig edges.
 19. The platenassembly for printing on small fabric items of claim 18, wherein thebase cut out portions and the jig cut out portions are L-shaped.